(no subject)

[ebonlock]

Just heard back from Blue Shield yesterday, apparently because I've had health issues in the past they're going to decline my business. Kthnxbai. I'm going to look into Cobra but if it's more than $100 a month (and I'm certain it is) then that's not going to work either. If I go with anybody else I have to change doctors and that's just depressing. At least I only have one prescription and I'm pretty sure it's only around $100 a month so I'll get by...I just can't get sick or injured until I find a new job and am covered again.

We're having our business wake today which I'm sure is just going to do wonders for my mood. If I don't end up a quivering wreck by tonight I'm going to be astonished. I just need to hold it together long enough to drive home, check in on Minnie and Maggie, and feed my own monsters...then all bets are off.

Comments

[tersa.livejournal.com]

Do you need some company tonight? I have no concrete plans and socks to deliver onto you...

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I think I would very much like company, I could make some tea :)

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

It looks like you're covered, but I'd also be happy to come by. And bring dinner, if needed.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I promise I'm good on the food front for now :)

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

And are you sufficiently peopled as well?

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

You're always welcome to stop by, hon, you know that :)

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

I just didn't want to overload your social filters. If tonight was a 'one person plus maybe cats' night, then I'd be happy to give you breathing space.
Because I love you!

[tersa.livejournal.com]

Oooo. Tea. :)

I will bring my knitting and we can be little old ladies together. And maybe my Dangerous Beauty DVD.

What time would be good?

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Any time after 6 should work for me, say have you seen Eastern Promises yet? Any interest?

[tersa.livejournal.com]

Let's say 6:30 then?

No, I haven't seen it, and I'm very interested to!

[phillipalden.livejournal.com]

My heart goes out to you during this dark time.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Thanks hon, that helps more than you know.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Does your county offer a group plan for working adults?

I know that Contra Costa does - it's basically MediCal, iirc, for around $200/month and I thin it's one of those "If you can afford the premium, and live in the county, they HAVE to cover you" type situations.

But I don't know what sort of services your county offers.

Also, there are those "prescription discount cards" which could at least take the sting off your monthly refills. Unfortunately, I don't use 'em, so I can't recommend one vendor over another...

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I'll check into the county thing, though our HR person didn't seem to think it was very likely. She's recommending COBRA for those of us who can manage it.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

I'm on COBRA right now and it's costing me a FUCKING FORTUNE.

I'm going to have to drop dental and vision coverage in order to help make the bill.

I, too, need a job with a group plan, asap...

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

What kind of job are you looking for? I'd be happy to forward any listings your way that I come across.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Admin/Exec. Asst.

Entry-level tech writing.

Entry-level video editing.

Entry-level-any-motion-picture-thing, really.

But it's got to be accessible by pubtrans, as I don't drive.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Hey have you seen this:

http://jobview.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=69387462&aid=72402574-638&WT.mc_n=MKT000350

[tattermuffin.livejournal.com]

I totally hear ya - just a heads up if you don't take Cobra though, when you do find a new job you may find they won't cover pre-existing conditions for 6-12 months or possibly at all depending on the company unless you're coming to them straight from other coverage (that is, if you let your coverage lapse at all).

I hope you find something that works for you and that you can afford - and that you find a new job very very soon!

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the warning on that, I'm going to check out COBRA tonight when I get home, I've got all the paperwork there, thank goodness.

[morgandawn.livejournal.com]

I was going to echo the lapse warning. I had a fellow employee who had allowed the coverage to lapse (she was a cancer survivor). when the cancer came back, even though she was under her new employer's policy, they refused to pay. it was grim.

there are other carriers who might not refuse you. and in your shoes I'd find a very very high deductible one ($2,500-5,000). that way you're covered in case of an accident or serious illness and your premiums might be less.

last
for people denied coverage and/or who cannot get COBRA (check on this the programs vary from state to state)
http://www.cobrahealth.com/statehighriskpools.html

hugs

[chazpure.livejournal.com]

Damn. I have many words about health insurance companies, and most of them aren't fit for polite company. Grrrrr.

Honey - be sure you've got plenty of refills on your current prescription, just in case it gets awkward getting in to see the doctor for a bit.

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Very good advice, I'm going to do that tonight!

[ellid.livejournal.com]

COBRA will almost certainly cost more than $100 a month; mine here in Massachusetts would be something like $450, and I have a huge whopping time bomb in my head pre-existing condition. However, California BC/BS is nothing to write home about, from what I've heard...

So sorry about the job, babe. *hug* You'll get something soon!

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Thanks, just applied to BC, so here's hoping. Even their temporary coverage would be better than nothing.

[missjones.livejournal.com]

Definitely DO NOT let your coverage lapse. As a person who works with insurance companies all the time, it will be hell to get your medical bills covered for at least 12 months after you get back on an insurance plan. Even if you have to go on a medicaid plan, do not let your insurance lapse for even 1 day. Insurance companies are heartless bastards and they are looking for any way possible to not pay your bills.

And as far as your prescription goes, check with your doctors office and see if they have any samples or if the drug company that makes your medication has a program to help people who might not be able to afford the medicine. Even if you only need the assistance for a month or two (hopefully much less than that!!!) it is something that might help ease your financial worries.

I love ya honey!! I promise you a nice long email in the near future!!

Call me if you need to talk.

[jakejr.livejournal.com]

Costco pharmacy. Open to nonmembers, has a special prescription plan for members without other prescription insurance. They're saving me like $250 a month right now over other pharmacy prices, which is good, since my student health insurance prescription benefits are practically nonexistent, like all the rest of the plan.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Hmm I may just check into that. I applied to Blue Cross last night, but if that falls through I may fall back on this instead.

[lisa-marli.livejournal.com]

Do keep your coverage going. I know it sucks, but Insurance Companies are not in the business of Insuring the Sick. So they will do anything to prevent coverage.
That is one of the reasons why so many people doubt the Universal Insurance Plans that require everyone to buy into Standard Medical Insurance. For so many people, the regular priced stuff won't take them, and the few policies they can find are unaffordable. A tax break AFTER you have shelled out the money doesn't help if you are living paycheck to paycheck.